NEEDS TO HAVE A COMPARISON TABLE

Japan vs USA Travel Medication Guide (2025)

When traveling internationally, understanding how medication rules differ between countries is critical. If you're planning a trip to Japan or the United States, here's what you need to know about traveling with medication, prescriptions, and healthcare regulations—so you don’t get caught off guard at customs or in a pharmacy.

💊 Key Differences at a Glance

FeatureJapanUnited StatesControlled MedicationsStrict regulation, some over-the-counter meds are bannedRegulated, but less strict overallRequired DocumentationImport certificate (Yakkan Shoumei) for some prescriptionsPrescription label or doctor’s noteLanguage BarrierOften a challenge—medications labeled in JapaneseEnglish labels and pharmacy communicationOTC Medication AvailabilityLimited compared to Western standardsWide range of OTC medications availableCustoms ScreeningDetailed and conservativeFocused on narcotics and large quantities

🇯🇵 Traveling With Medication to Japan

Japan has some of the strictest medication import laws in the world. Common drugs in the West—like some ADHD medications (e.g. Adderall), pseudoephedrine-based cold tablets, and codeine-based painkillers—may be banned or restricted in Japan.

What You Need to Do:

• Apply for a Yakkan Shoumei certificate at least 2 weeks before your trip if you're bringing more than a 1-month supply of prescription medicine or any controlled substance.

• Carry medications in original packaging, with your prescription and a doctor’s letter translated into Japanese.

• Avoid bringing any inhalers, injectables, or liquids over the limit without documentation.

✅ Tip: Even over-the-counter allergy and cold medications like Sudafed can get you in trouble.